This is for beginners as well as advanced students of Essential Oils.

I hope you like the below Essential Oil facts. Essential Oils are so versatile and at the same time one needs to be cautious. If you have any concerns and/ or questions, let me know!

crazy love ~Katrin

feel free to check out my range of Essential Oils. They are phenomenel in quality and therapeutic properties. And let me tell you, I’m the most german and critical person when it comes to my oils! I visited the distiller in France and these are my first choice.

They are my favorite shower companions. My skin feels like a baby popo and my senses have been all refreshed. The day can start or end with these beautiful ALL ORGANIC Scrubs.

Created with 100% ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS. Pure Essential Oils and cold pressed carrier oils. Get one for yourself and for a friend or choose our gift scrub packs (they come with 2 or 4 scubs)! Remember 30% off but ONLY TODAY.

… also found in Cannabis

Introduction to my Research Paper

Copaiba Tree

For one of my final steps to receive my Aromatherapy Certification with the Aromahead Institute, I was set out to find a subject of my interest and write a 8-10 page research paper. First I was petrified by the thought of a) finding a subject and b) being able to write 8-10 pages. Well here you see a sliver of my final paper which got concluded with 24 pages. Copaiba Essential Oil grew very dear to me during my research and for that reason I added it to my Aromatherapy store. At the bottom you will find the link to the entire paper. Please use it & share it and let me know what you think! I also added a few recipes. Have fun and thank you for your interest! ~ Katrin

Here we go:

The essential oil community has heard a lot about the beautiful benefits of Cannaboid in Hemp Oil. There have been many studies and success stories but we have rarely heard about the fantastic chemical constituent β-caryophyllene.

The subject of rheumatism and arthritis has been an important focus for me since I started studying essential oils because my mother has suffered from these conditions for many years.

My initial research brought me to many existing case studies, which seemed promising and led me to research and choose the Copaiba Oil, and especially the chemical component β-caryophyllene . This video is a small introduction of the oil from doTERRA at one of their Global Conventions in 2017. Dr. Hill introduced doTERRA’s new oil: https://youtu.be/vI8-TbcfY_M. As you will see further down below, I have found a few sources for Copaiba Balsam which a few of them are very promising such as the “Rainforest Chica” company.

While beta-caryophyllene is primarily known for its presence in the essential oils extracted from Black Pepper, Clove, Melissa, and Rosemary, the best source is actually the lesser-known Copaiba tree. GC-MS assessments have shown that many sources of Copaiba essential oil contains more than 50% and often up to 70% of beta-caryophyllene, and not surprisingly, the properties of the oil extracted from the oleoresin of Copaifera species is becoming a popular topic of research. There have been over 70 peer-reviewed studies published in scientific journals in the last few years evaluating the benefits of Copaiba, several of which focus on its CB2-binding properties and the associated health benefits. [7]

Copaiba essential oil and oleoresin contain large amounts of beta-caryophyllene, a molecule that interacts with cannabinoid receptors in your skin. This causes skin cells to produce beta-endorphin, one of the happiness hormones. [23]

Due to the Chemical make up of β-caryophyllene, α-copaene, and α-humulene it has gained a large interest and fairly large amount of scientific studies.

EXPLORE the benefits of Aromatherapy for relaxation and massage

LEARN THE SKILLS to give a relaxing 15min Massage

ENJOY receiving a Relaxing Massage

Do you remember the smell of an orange? It makes us feel happy, it puts a smile on our faces, and it might even bring back some old memories.Smell is directly linked to emotions, mood and memory. The absence or presence of a certain aroma can have a direct psychological impact on us. Aromatherapy is the use of plant materials and its oils. It is scientifically proven to work on a psychological as well as on a physical level. In combination with massage we offer Essential Oils as a complementary form of therapy.

Why a Foot Massage?

Our feet are our roots, they give us stability and they allow us to stand and walk. Every day, our feet carry us wherever we go while carrying our weight.

They deserve to be pampered!

Being able to give & receive a relaxing foot massage, that’s a true skill & treat!

In this workshop, we will learn simple but profound techniques to relax each other.

Don’t hesitate to book this workshop for yourself only, it will be rewarding, no matter if you join with a friend, your partner, or alone.

Why Hand Massage?

Our hands are the extension of our hearts, they allow us to reach out to the world and to get in touch with each other. Every day, our hands work hard for us to fulfill our goals.

Your hands deserve to be pampered!

Being able to give & receive a relaxing hand massage, that’s a true skill & treat!

In this workshop you will learn simple but profound techniques to relax each other.

Don’t hesitate to book this workshop for yourself only, it will be rewarding, no matter if you join with a friend, your partner, or alone.

Why a Face & Head Massage?

Our face and head are especially receptive to massage. Being able to give & receive a relaxing face & head massage, that’s a true skill & treat! In this workshop we will learn simple but profound techniques to relax each other. Don’t hesitate to book this workshop for yourself only, it will be rewarding, no matter if you join with a friend, your partner, or alone.

Program of our 3-hour workshop (example)

Introduction and Explanation to Aromatherapy and of the THREE therapeutic Essential Oil massage blends, especially blended by Katrin for our workshop

Introduction to massage practice by Anne

Visually guided massage practice by Anne – you will give and receive a 15min hand/arm massage, in combination with one of the three Essential Oil blends introduced previously

Afterwards we will have a chance to enjoy some snacks & water. You can ask questions, share your experience, and you have the opportunity to purchase the all organic, therapeutic Massage Oil Blends…a great reminder to keep practicing massage at home

Who we are…

Katrin Birkholz started her journey with Essential Oils at an early age of 11. Everything which a pleasant aroma got either picked as flower or purchased as an Essential Oil. After studying Photography in 2001 and enjoying mostly close-up nature photography she was professionally introduced to Essential Oils and their magnificent multifaceted possibilities in 2013.

Anne Staab was introduced to the practice of Swedish massage in 2009. Being a certified Massage Therapist for techniques such as relaxing, deep tissue, and reflexology massage, she is working at a variety of events throughout Europe, giving massages as well as teaching others at workshops. Her wish is to share her knowledge and experience about massage practice during interactive workshops, allowing participants to relax, increase their own well-being, and empower them to improve the well-being of others by learning simple yet profound massage techniques.

How to participate…

Due to limited space, we kindly ask you to book your spot here on our website or click here if you see this post on Facebook or Meet-up.

The cost is 30€ per Person, including the oil blends used in the workshop and some snacks and drinks.

You don’t have to bring anything, just wear comfortable clothes and we take care of the rest.For any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@PetalAndStem.com.

Essential Oil Science & Chemistry Corner

Some of us are really curious about the chemistry of Essential Oils. I have so many questions in my head at times as my Aromatherapy Certification doesn’t leave any details out. The reason I personally think it is important to understand the chemistry of our oils, is beyond the aroma only. I can’t tell you how empowering it is, being able to help somebody by understanding my oils and to mix the right oils together for a therapeutic effect.

With the growth of Essential Oils in our regular lives, many of us start out with Essential Oils and might feel lost after a while. The options of mixing truly working blends is an art and it is chemistry.

Essential Oils are fascinating to me and for my own good I created the “Essential Oil Science & Chemistry Corner”. For the real nerdy ones. It will be my reference guide and maybe you will find some use in it too. Let me know if you have anything to add or discuss. I’m happy to chat.

Esters

Bergamot – Citrus bergamia

Cardamom – Elettaria cardamomum

Clary Sage – Salvia sclarea

Geranium – Pelargonium x asperum

Helichrysum – Helichrysum italicum

Jasmine absolute – Jasminum grandiflorum

Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia

Siberian Fir – Abies sibirica

Roman Chamomile – Chamaemelum nobile

Ylang Ylang – Cananga odorata forma genuina

Here is a complete list. Aromatics in the US is another beautiful Essential Oil company. Their amazing tool lets you choose between the chemical families, plant part, aromas etc. AMAZING!

Properties of ester-rich oils:

Adaptogenic (helps to deal with stress)

Analgesic (Inula, Jasmine, Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Ylang Ylang)

Antispasmodic

Anti-inflammatory

Balancing and soothing

Digestive aids (Cardamom, Roman Chamomile, Bergamot)

Highly sedative effect

Skin-healing

Caution:

The only concern could be the component methyl salicylate which is present in Wintergreen. Please do you homework before applying!

And here is my recipe for ester-rich oils:

No matter where you get your oils from. If you would like to mix for therapeutic effects you will need to know and familiarize yourself with the suppliers GC/MS reports. They must provide you with the reports and preferable BEFORE you buy your oils. There is so many fake oils on the market and suppliers can label them as they’d like due to missing label guidelines.

For me it is very simple, if my supplier doesn’t supply me with the GC/MS report, I will not buy from them. You do want to know what you spend your money on. Especially when they are supposed to be “therapeutic, pure, organic oils”.

Essential Oil Science & Chemistry Corner

Some of us are really curious about the chemistry of Essential Oils. I have so many questions in my head at times as my Aromatherapy Certification doesn’t leave any details out. The reason I personally think it is important to understand the chemistry of our oils, is beyond the aroma only. I can’t tell you how empowering it is, being able to help somebody by understanding my oils and to mix the right oils together for a therapeutic effect.

With the growth of Essential Oils in our regular lives, many of us start out with Essential Oils and might feel lost after a while. The options of mixing truly working blends is an art and it is chemistry.

Essential Oils are fascinating to me and for my own good I created the “Essential Oil Science & Chemistry Corner”. For the real nerdy ones. It will be my reference guide and maybe you will find some use in it too. Let me know if you have anything to add or discuss. I’m happy to chat.

Sesquiterpenols

Cedarwood – Juniperus virginiana

Patchouli – Pogostemon cablin

Sandalwood – Santalum album

Vetiver – Vetiveria zizanoides

Properties of sesquiterpenol-rich oils:

Antibacterial

Antispasmodic

Anti-inflammatory (all 4 oils)

Cooling

Grounding (all 4 oils)

Immune stimulant

Sedative (all 4 oils)

Skin-healing (all 4 oils)

Caution:

None. They are safe oils.

And here is my recipe for sesquiterpenol-rich oils:

No matter where you get your oils from. If you would like to mix for therapeutic effects you will need to know and familiarize yourself with the suppliers GC/MS reports. They must provide you with the reports and preferable BEFORE you buy your oils. There is so many fake oils on the market and suppliers can label them as they’d like due to missing label guidelines.

For me it is very simple, if my supplier doesn’t supply me with the GC/MS report, I will not buy from them. You do want to know what you spend your money on. Especially when they are supposed to be “therapeutic, pure, organic oils”.

It has been almost 1 year when my then 6-year-old girl decided to skip eating meat altogether.

While my son loves his meat every now and then and my husband his sausages, I started cooking several different meals per meal time. Like every mum I was a bit concerned but since we are living a fairly healthy lifestyle since years I was not too thrown off by her decision to go meat-less. We own a ton of cook books (from ‘uncooking’ to full on cooking) and it was a good new challenge.

Below I put a small Infographic together which we use as our shopping list. We eat 100% what is in season which makes it a whole lot easier to decide what goes on the table. While we eat a ton of greens (raw, steamed and sautéed), we still eat what each of us likes (my son likes his rare piece of meat). We just made it a habit to always have a balanced meal with all named vitamins and nutritions in my cheat sheet below. Milk is definitely out though. Homemade Nutmilk and Seedmilk is our basis for smoothies, baking and milk for my coffee.

If I have time on my hands, which is rare these days, I do love to dehydrate our summer fruit and herbs. We also use our juicer as much as we can.

I do believe it takes time to get adjusted to healthier eating habbits and I’m also not the person who wants to stand in the kitchen all day. So it is still a constant adjustment and sometimes even fight to make my children eat what is on the table. But overall we have come a long way. For some we are way too healthy and for others not enough. But don’t we have this no matter what we do?